Factors Related to Nutritional Status among Preschool Children in Phayao Province

Abstract

            The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The objectives of this study were to examine nutritional situations and to examine factors related to nutritional status among preschool children in Phayao province. The sample of 330 cases was drawn from Phayao with stratified sampling random sampling method. Data were collected through questionnaires during September to October 2018. Data were analyzed by using mean, percentage, standard deviation, chi-square test and fisher’s exact test.

          Results revealed that most of samples were female (53.6%), ages between 3-4 years (56.1%), birth weight 2,500-2,999 gram (43.0%), and well-built (81.1%). About 11.5% of them lived with underling disease. Most guardians were parents (80.0%) and monthly incomes not more than 5,000 baht (40.6%). Guardians’ education level found 46.1% high school level and general employment career (38.8%). Their knowledge, attitude and consumption behavior were at moderate level with 55.8%, 79.3% and 61.2%, respectively. The research findings also showed that gender, ages, birth weight, guardians’ educational level, guardians’ careers and behavior were statistic significantly related to nutritional status at p-value 0.05, whereas, underlying disease, guardian monthly incomes, knowledge and attitude were not related to nutritional status.      

          Conclusion, the nutritional status of most samples was at well-built. Factors related to nutritional status including gender, ages, birth weight, guardians’ educational level, guardians’ careers and nutritional status. Also, family, school and public health organization should promote healthy nutrition to preschool children